Did you give birth without use of an epidural or other pain medications?

Danielle - posted on 12/14/2012

Very simliar to yourself i am a young mum 22, i had a beautiful home birth with absolutely no painkillers it was amazing. It didnt hurt it was certainly uncomfortable at times but more satisfying i would say and i would like to say i am not a hippy at all im not all peace and sun and lighting incense and all that crap i just dont like hospitals i didnt labour for long at all and i was in the bath for a few hours then it got intense had transition and was sick and midwives were called. Because ive heard its suxh a trauma i was expecting a savage pain and thought i was only a few cm dialated, if that. When all of a sudden he was crowning my husband was holding his hands underneath doula was letting midwife in she quickly put her gloves on and delived DS into the world ;) great apgar he was just perfecto.. I think unless there is a complication with pregnancies hospitals do more harm than good to labouring mothers, we are a lot like animals if we are in a dim room we feel comfortable in rather than a bright hospital with strange sights and smells there is no way you are just going to completely relax and allow your body to take over and do what it needs to do. Just go with it. Birth can be enjoyable. Don't fight it!

Patricia - posted on 09/15/2012

i had 10 with out pain meds some were really tough though

Katrina - posted on 09/09/2012

I wanted to have no pain relief if I could help it. My first child I was induced and from waters breaking it took only 1hr 48 mins. My second, I was in alot of pain for about 48 hours but from waters breaking it was 1hr 23mins. My third, I took 3 hours of full swing labour, but waters didn't break until I was pushing. I managed all 3 without pain relief of any kind and the last one without the hospital - he was born in my hallway, oops. LOL My kids weren't big babies though. First and last were 7 pound 3 and my 2nd was 6pound something (2950g).

Kerrie - posted on 09/02/2012

I didn't have an epidural but I used gas and air, I was in Labour for a total of 9hrs but at first I didn't realise it, I was 28 when I had my son.



By the time my son was born I had been awake for 36hrs but he is so worth it.



He is now a happy healthy 3 almost 4yr old.



My mam's labour (with me) was longer but she didn't have anything to help with the pain.

Zoya - posted on 08/30/2012

I have also delivered my son naturally. My labor was not too quick, about 14 hours, and I did have back labor, but it was totally doable. By the time I considered drugs, I was fully dilated. I do not condemn women who take drugs in labor. It's just that natural birth worked for me.

Louise - posted on 04/14/2011

i would NEVER have a home birth, simple reason being after giving birth they couldn't get the afterbirth ot of me and i lost a lot of blood about 900ml's if i had been at home i prbably would have bled to death before i got to the hospital

Louise - posted on 04/14/2011

blimey you're so lucky!! after 15 hours of labour i was advised to have pethadene then as it would take to long to kick in i had an epidural as because i was getting upset it was making my baby's heartbeat drop...excellent idea :-) i had him 4 hours later, my water didn't break hence the 15 hours at 4cm

Allie - posted on 04/12/2011

I actually did get one after being in labor for 25 hours (34 1/2 total). I was to the point of complete exhaustion and needed to get some rest. However, I hated it so much. I couldn't move for hours and hours AFTER my daughter was born. Would I do it again? NO!

Laura - posted on 04/05/2011

I was considered high risk with my daughter, and was sooooo lucky to get a nurse-midwife at the hospital. She read my chart, came to me and said "I'm telling the doctor right now that you are NOT getting an epidural or any other form of medication as it would kill both you and the baby" (Genetic condition, I can't take painkillers of any form as my liver doesn't function properly) I went into labor at 41 weeks at 3am, but after having Braxton-Hicks contractions since I was 5 months along I didn't get to the hospital until 6. Admitted at 7, started pushing after 1 (I fell asleep in the tub lol), had bub at 1:45. Had back labor the whole time because she was lying on my spine and decided to turn while she was coming out. Didn't feel it while they spent over a half hour stitching me up from the second degree tear.

It was somewhat comedic.. I had the nurse-midwife, her student, another nurse with HER student, the doctor, a resident with ANOTHER student and the full NICU team in my room lol. Along with hubby and my mother (who's also a NICU nurse) They passed Ray around taking bets on her weight, and she was a full pound and a half heavier then they thought (7lbs 8ozs)

Angelica - posted on 03/31/2011

i was in labor from close to the time i conceived until my daughter was born at 26 weeks, i refused any medication because i was scared of the needle until the VERY last second, to the point that when they sat me up i paniced because i could feel her coming, they put it in, layed me down and she was out before it kicked in. so i dont plan to bother with any medication for my next child.

Eileen - posted on 03/24/2011

Good for you. ME too, about the same. I was induced both times but my kids were high risk and we needed to schedule around perinatologists. I think people are afraid of pain, and don't want to see if they can take it or not. They know the meds are available and that they are pretty much standard. I could not get over the idea of a needle in my back, and being out of control. I loved the fact that after #2 I was be bopping around my "hotel" room and the nurses were telling me to be still and let them help me. I needed no help, and went home in exactly 24 hours. We women are stronger than we get credit for.

Daphny - posted on 03/07/2011

I had my son without epidural and it was only 2 and half hours! The recovery is so much easier too, compared with the time I gave my first born daughter with epidural. I'm all pro without epidural.

Frances - posted on 02/22/2011

I have had four natural births. My labors were 19, 15, 11, and 33 hours long. My fourth labor was the longest. I'm so glad I was allowed to eat while in labor, especially with the fourth one. I used the Bradley method every time.

Lisa - posted on 03/29/2010

When I had my son I had gas and air - but for my daughter nothing at all. I felt more in control, it was quicker and easier because I knew what was going on. In fact I had no midwife for my second birth either - just my husband with me. Letting my body do its thing was much better. Its a natural process so let it happen naturally.

Kathleen - posted on 03/23/2010

I think its such a wonderful thing! We had a water birth .. in labour for 20 hrs and 4 hrs of pushing but serioudly the most amazing thing! and we went home 4 hrs after the birth which was THE BEST!!! i couldn't have stayed in the hospital I just wanted to go home so i could cuddle with my new baby boy and get some proper rest!

Tammy - posted on 03/23/2010

Hi i am a 22 year old i had my son when i was 21 years i was in pre-labour for 3 days and didnt even know on the 3rd day the pains started to get worse, i phoned my husband, when i got to the doctor he did an ultra sound and he said i should go to the hospital now. i went at 8:00pm and was already 5cm dialated i had no pain meds, i wanted to feel everything cause it was my first time, and at 12:45am in the morning my baby was born. i feel the contractions are much worst than pushing the baby. i was cut and had 2 stiches my baby weighed 2.7 kg he wasnt so big.

Nkanyezi - posted on 03/21/2010

I tried and wanted no epidural I went from 0-7 w/o an epidural, but after almost 24 hrs of active, very active labor I couldn't take it anymore. My environment was kind of stressful too so that didn't help. My next child I'm going to try again for no epidural, water birth. The pain just ended up being "on top of itself" as long as I could catch my breath in between contractions even just for a second I was okay. When I started to have contraction on top of contraction, I told them to give me whatever pain meds they had.

Jackie - posted on 03/21/2010

I had natural births for both my boys..was 18 and 19 yrs old..it was painfull for my 1st but i didn't want any drugs. i wal in labor for 23 hour with my first and 5 hours with my second..and i was so greatfull I didn't need stiches at all for them both..It was a great accomplishment for me..

Kathie - posted on 03/20/2010

I was planning to go med-free with my baby girl but ended up being induced due to some low amnio issues. Went as far as I could without meds, then got the epidural. I went into the birthing process with the same attitude as I went into my wedding day....I had plans for a perfect experience, but if at the end of the day I had a happy, healthy baby....well then nothing else really matters. I was frustrated when some moms made me feel guilty or less powerful because I had used an epidural, because my birthing went great for my family (me, hubby, baby), and my experience is mine and no one elses, so what does it matter to them? I feel that whatever works for you and your family is the RIGHT way, and no one should tell you differently.

Kierra - posted on 03/20/2010

first birth i was induced and had every intervention under the sun and not by choice. i was told i had no choice at 6cm but to have the epi.

Second birth i had abit of gas and a pethidine shot (as i wasnt sure wat the end of giving birth felt like) didnt use gas at all at the end. and the peth shot just let me get some rest as i have long labours. I didnt have an epidural.

Next birth i hope will be at home... and if im forced to go to a hospital i will not be touching anything. no gas peth etc. i KNOW what the end feels like now so i wont have that fear of the unknown in my head double guessing myself :) !!



im 21

Faith - posted on 03/20/2010

I actually planned to have epidural for all three babies but they all came so fast that epidural was too late all the time. !st was very painful, other two were too quick we actually thought it may have been false labor. Good for some but not for others.

Karen - posted on 03/20/2010

I used a TENs machine through 52 hours of pre/slow labour on 1st baby and 3 days for baby no 2 (precedded by 6 days of braxton hickes every 7-10 mins). I did not go into active labour on either so was induced on both following days of useless contractions. Got gas and air (nitros) on 1st and had to get epidral 8 hrs later to control my BP, she was born 30 min later by emegency C section. Pain on 2nd induction so bad thought I would vomit/pass out, got epi about 1hr in, deighted with myself, baby born by emergeny c section about 4 hrs later. Never got passed 3 cm dilated on ether of my girls. Found it all quite trumatic, espically first time. No plans to go again but fair play to everyone who had dream labours.

GEORGIA - posted on 03/19/2010

i gave birth to my daughter in october 2008,i was 30 yrs old..i live on a greek island,so they don't offer medicine for labour here in the hospital..i was actually very scared of giving birth,not so much pushing the baby out,but the labour pains..i was induced,was given a pill to bring on the labour pains at nine o'clock monday morning,waited all day,nothing..then given a second pill at 10 o'clock at night,waited all night,still nothing.nine o'clock tuesday morning i was put on a iv to bring on stronger labour pains,by the time the nurse took me inside to shave me down below,my waters broke,i had probably about five strong labour pains,but with the help of the midwife and breathing techniques i can now say they were bearable,i was put on the boom to push,about five pushes and the baby was out at 11:35 am..i was cut down below,had 3 stitches but other than that,i think i had a very easy birth..the actual pushing didn't hurt at all,neither did the tear or the stitching up afterwards..

Elise - posted on 03/16/2010

i found that the pain helped with the push. it was i good way to focus. in the end i was willing the contractions on so i could push some more.

Meghan - posted on 03/16/2010

I am 22 and have 3 kids already. My first two I went through labor without any pain medication, but with my third I decided to try the epidural. With my oldest I wouldn't've had time for anything even if I wanted it. We got to the hospital at 7:00 and she was born at 8:08. My second I had to have my membranes artificially ruptured 'cause I was stuck on being dilated to 7, and it made things a little more difficult for me. When I got to pushing I was having trouble breathing and felt like I was going to pass out. When our son was born I didn't want a repeat of the last time around, plus I knew my husband might not want any more kids and I figured if this was going to be our last one I might as well go for the epidural, just to say I did. He came pretty quick and I think I could've done with out it, but oh well.

Wendy - posted on 03/16/2010

My first child I used pain meds through the IV no epidural. I was so lethargic I couldn't enjoy my new daughter. All I wanted to do was sleep. With my second and third child I had natural childbirths. My labor time and number of pushes were decreased. I believe given the right coaching and preparation every woman can have a natural childbirth. I believe it is healthier for the child also. My first child was not as bright eyed and alert as my other two!!!

Casey - posted on 03/15/2010

i had mine drug free and would deffinately do it again. had her in hosptial though which i was keen for a home birth but my mother and mother in law both had difficult births and after births so had to be monitored

Shilpa - posted on 03/15/2010

well i feel its an achievement to give birth without any medication... u feel so special.. i have one boy... my delievery took long time .. i was in pain for almost 10 hours... but all is compensated by my lilone

Tara - posted on 03/15/2010

I didn't use any meds with my daughter. I am extremely proud that I was able to do it without. I think I had it easy though because my labor wasn't too bad. Only about 5-6 contractions that made me really uncomfortable. By then, I was fully dilated and ready to go.

Rachel - posted on 03/15/2010

Hi,

WIth my first (8 yrs old) I used a small dose of Demerol. And with the second (16 months) I didn't use anything. In my mind it was healthier for me and my daughters. Plus, Im a chicken when it comes to needles! lol

Danielle - posted on 03/15/2010

I have 3 children. A 7yr old, a 5 yr old and 16 month old. I didnt have any type of medication with any of my children ( I was so close to changing my mind with the last one...but Im glad I didnt) I had fast deliveries...well almost fast (8hrs, 7hrs, and 5hrs). The pushing was painful but I dont think I pushed more than 5 times with any of my deliveries. I got called crazy alot but I look @myself as being brave and a soldier:) Especially due to my age!!!! I enjoyed the immediate bond after birth with my children without the influence or interference of medication. I would do it again in an heartbeat!!!!

Magin - posted on 03/15/2010

I have one lil boy and my labor was about 4 1/2 hours..n about two of them was pushing. Without the use of drugs..planning on doing that if God blesses me with another baby.

Laurie - posted on 03/15/2010

It's true, did take less time for mine as well. I have 3 kiddos and the first two, I was weak and used an epidural but my third I did not...kinda did it backwards huh? Oh well but my last was my most memorable and would do it all over again without. you actually get to experience it as when you're drugged up, you only remember the highlights. I'd suggest going natural to everyone...a MUCH better experience and a shorter labor.

Sancha - posted on 03/15/2010

I didn't have to you any pain medication my delivery time ws like 4 hours. The pain was bearable at first and became intense after the water bag burst it was smooth sailing she was out within the hour. I would not want o use any medications as i have been told in some cases they have no effect on you but some of them put the babby to sleep and it make it more deficult to give birth to a drowsy baby than one that is awake.

Rachael - posted on 03/14/2010

My first son was c-section due to various reasons. My second was all natural without epidural and he was out in 2 pushes. Keith was 4.1Kg at birth.

Phylicia - posted on 03/14/2010

I Had my son without any medication aswell, i wanted to try it but i was scared and low and behold when the time came i didnt have a choice he was coming without my consent lol my son was born in the front seat of my mothers car it was fast and healing was a breeze a much better recovery then when i had my daughter i felt great after he was born when i had my daughter i felt so drawn and tired but after my son i felt great i could walk my knees were not weak it was an amazing feeling to recover so fast!
http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/story....

Stefanie - posted on 03/14/2010

Just an FYI for anyone wanting pain meds without narcodics try Ultracet.

Stefanie - posted on 03/14/2010

I did not get an epidural but I did ask finally with contractions for a 1/2 dose of pain medication but I had both my parents and sister helping and massaging me until my husband arrived.. Some friends and nurses told me they thought I did a good job. And so did you!!

Desirae - posted on 03/14/2010

Great Job! I too had two deliverys without the use of "drugs", When I had my son( my first child) they gave me demorol and I really didnt like its effects, you can still feel all the pain of childbirth but made me dopy and drowzy :( So when I was in labor with my oldest daughter ( my second child) I waited at home as long as possable trying to stay relaxed untill I thought it was time to see a doctor, I didnt want to have to sit in the hopsital or be sent home becuase I wasnt far enough into labour....turns out when I got to the hospital I was 9 1/2 cm dilated, giving birth within the first 30 mins of arrival, so needless to say I was to far to even have the option of "drugs". With my third delivery, I wanted to try my best to go drug free again, having my previous experiences in mind, the drug free delivery was a lot more pleasent experience, I was so much more alert and aware of my body and the process. And so I again gave birth naturally, I figure our bodys are made for it, and if there isnt any risk of complications for mother or baby then its definatley worth trying :) All my deliverys were fairly fast aswell, my first was 7 hours total from the time my water broke and contractions started, my second was about 3 1/2 hours and they had to break my water becuase she was comming so quickly, and my third was about 5 hours from the time of my water breaking untill delivery :)

Casey - posted on 03/14/2010

Hi there, I had both of my children without the use of any medication. I guess like you i didnt even think about using them or even considering whilst carrying them and I believe this helped me to just work through the labour. My first labour was 5 hours, my second was only around 2 1/2 hours so I guess I was lucky.

Andrea - posted on 03/14/2010

The doctors insisted that I wanted the drugs... I insisted that I didn't... They decided to bring them to me anyways, much to my dismay... Thankfully my labor went so fast (about 4 hours) that by the time they brought them to me I couldn't have them... Delivery was short, would have been shorter had the doctor been there, and not insisted that he was going to wait another day or two.
I would never regret my choice not to have the drugs, it was the best "pain" I have ever felt (maybe not at the time, but the outcome of it is one of the best things to have ever happened). I would do it again without them!

Kindra - posted on 03/14/2010

I have 1 child and I did not use an epidural for his birth...and I would do it again the same way! I tell others who are pregnant for the first time that, of course the contractions are painful, but if you breath through them and keep in your mind that you can do it without medication, it works. I was more afraid of the thought of the needle going into my spine than I was of the pain of birth. Afterwards, I was SO proud of myself and as I stated before, I would do it all over again. I'm 30 and my son is 17 months.

Tracy - posted on 03/14/2010

I have had 7 children and 4 of them i did not use pain meds 2 of them was was natural and 2 of them were c-sections, the 2 with c-sections, yes they gave me a spinal tap but i took no after surgery pain meds I was able to walk around with in 3 hrs of after surgery and be out of the hospital in 24 hrs because I did so well on my feet and it made it where i didnt have to wear those leg pumpy things, yes it hurt to do this but it got me on my feet faster and more able to take care of my baby at home the other 2 was completely natural, and 1 DR. let me reach down and and pull the baby out after the shoulders were out, it was the most amazing feeling to be able to do this any one who can find a Dr. who will help in the delivery DO IT. the bond with the baby is also nothing i've ever felt before. and I agree the labor is so much shorter and you can feel better to push the 2 I delivered natural I didn't have to push my contractions were so hard my body pushed the baby's out with out much effort.

Samantha - posted on 03/14/2010

my first i had at 20, had one shot of pehadine (ten hurs before he delivered) :( and the tens machine. 17hour labour, four hours pushing plus ventose delivery- 7lb 80z

second i was 21, gas and air and a tens machine, strapped to the bed throughout the labour- 9hour labour, 35mins pushing with ventose delivery again- 7lb 13oz

third aged 23, gas and air, home water birth. approx five hour labour, hour and tweny pushing- 8lb 8oz

im quite pleased but dissapointed with ventoose ad the pethadine first time, wish id restisted but gas and air made me be sick in my first labour. i glad i didnt have drugs and pethadine was well and truely worn off during the pushig stage and therfore we were wide awake and snuggling immdietly.

Kweilin - posted on 03/13/2010

I has both my children without medication, just thought it would be easier to recover without them. Didn't want to deal with the side effects plus I have a high tolerance for pain.

Anastasia - posted on 03/13/2010

I Did it twice without any meds. Thought I was gonna die Lol

Stacey - posted on 03/13/2010

I have 3 children and due with my 4th on sept 21st this year. I TOTALLY REFUSE to get pain meds or epi's ....I want to be fully involved with what decisions are made, went all natural with all 3 of them and plan on going with the 4th. Alot of ppl I talk to are in shock and tell me Im crazy, but in reality I wouldnt want to be in their shoes. I dont down them for their decisions, but I just prefer my own.
I think you have done great, I personally, Dont know other moms that have delivered any of their children without meds.

Agnes - posted on 03/13/2010

The first problem is the position women give birth in in a hospital. Birthing in a reclining position is unnatural & can increase pain as well as the probability of tearing. I think this is the reason many women in hospitals end up opting for an epidural.
I had a homebirth and enjoyed the freedom. I can't imagine being on an IV and confined to bed in that condition! I commend those who labor in that environment without drugs. But I also understand that in may be neccesary in cases of long labors, etc. I was in labor a total of 12 hours and unknowingly my baby was posterior (back to my back) which makes for very painful labor. I had horrible back pain almost from the very beginning. I thought about just giving in and going to the hospital for an epidural, but hung in. Finding out I was dilated to 6cm kept me going. I decided I could make it the rest of the way. It was hard, but it was beautiful and I feel, very worth it. A delivery will go faster w/out drugs because you are not paralyzing your muscles and messing with your bodies natural response.

Miranda - posted on 03/13/2010

I gave birth in a birthing center without any pain meds and definitely recommend it!

Nikki - posted on 03/13/2010

Had 3 water births, all good (if you can say that), felt amazing afterwards, seriously could of run a marathon, think you just go with what suits you, we all different.